The Story Behind Johnny Cash's Infamous Middle Finger Photo

03/21/2011
. (Gibson) Before his death in March 2010, photographer Jim Marshall revealed the truth behind the infamous picture of Johnny Cash giving the middle finger to the camera. Marshall shot the photo during Cash's 1969 performance at San Quentin Prison.

According to the San Francisco Art Exchange, it was Marshall who prompted Cash to flip him the bird. "I said, 'John, let's do a shot for the warden,'" and the country legend made the gesture. Marshall said that the shot is, "probably the most ripped-off photograph in the history of the world."

Marshall's quotes were made public, according to NME.com, because of the new book, Pocket Cash, which collects the photographer's pictures of Johnny. A collection of the photos is also being exhibited at London's SNAP galleries.

Gibson.com is an official news provider for the Day in Rock.

Preview and Purchase Johnny Cash CDs

Johnny Cash MP3 Downloads

.

Day In Rock

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Launching First Headline Tour in 5 Years- Chevelle Recruit Asking Alexandria and Dead Poet Society For Summer Tour- more

Ozzy Osbourne To Perform On Throne At Final Concert- Kirk Hammett Plots Solo Album And Has 767 Riffs For Next Metallica Record- more

Miley Cyrus Shares Trailer For 'Something Beautiful' Visual Album- Elton John and Brandi Carlile Announce Short Film Premiere- more

Day In Country

Kenny Chesney Named To The Country Music Hall of Fame- Eric Church Hits Career High With 'Hands Of Time'- Maren Morris Announces New Album- more

Reviews

Bob James & Dave Koz - Just Us

Lordi - Limited Deadition

Travel News, Trips and Tips: Spring In To Travel With These Items

Dr. John - Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya Ya: Singles 1968-1974

Jethro Tull - Curious Ruminant